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Government of Canada supports projects for women in Prince Edward Island

CHARLOTTETOWN, July 23 /CNW Telbec/ - Women in Charlottetown and
throughout Prince Edward Island will gain new skills and opportunities for
growth and positive change, thanks to support from the Government of Canada.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian
Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La
Francophonie, Mr. Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St.
Margaret's, today announced funding to two organizations for projects that
will benefit rural women and women who are ex-offenders or are at risk of
offending.
The two organizations will receive a total of $240,383 in funding from
the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada.
This Fund supports eligible organizations in carrying out projects at the
local, regional and national level. To qualify, the initiatives must work
toward the equality and full participation of women in the economic, social
and democratic life of Canada.
"Our Government has once again delivered on the promise it made to
Canadian women in Budget 2008," said Minister Verner. "By supporting
culturally appropriate programming for rural women in Prince Edward Island,
and by assisting women who have been in conflict with the law or who are at
risk of offending, we are continuing to make a real difference in the lives of
Canadians."
"These projects foster a sense of community while building individual
self-confidence, resourcefulness and engagement among participants," said
Mr. Keddy. "I am proud the Government of Canada is taking this opportunity to
work with women's organizations in Prince Edward Island, to learn from them,
and to improve the quality of life for Canadian women, now and in the future."
The following two organizations will receive funding:
- The Adventure Group, Inc., of Charlottetown, will receive $150,000 for
its project entitled New Beginnings.
- The Women's Network PEI Inc. will receive $90,383 for its project
entitled Where She's At: Helping PEI Women Help Themselves.
"This new funding is crucial," said Ms. Roxanne Carter-Thompson,
Executive Director of the Adventure Group Inc. "It enables us to provide this
pilot program to women participants throughout PEI. We are excited about the
program, which will build self-esteem, promote effective decision-making
skills and develop openness to growth and change among women who are
ex-offenders or who are at risk of offending."
"We are delighted to have the support of the federal government in our
ambitious new project," said Ms. Sara Roach-Lewis, Chair of the Board for the
Women's Network PEI Inc. "We plan to assemble women facing a range of barriers
from all parts of the Island, and to provide them with the tools and knowledge
they need to optimize their health, employment, safety and financial
security."
As announced in Budget 2008, the Government of Canada will develop an
Action Plan to advance equality for women by improving their economic and
social conditions, and their participation in democratic life.
Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote
the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of
Canada.